In the heated ongoing conversation over “censorship” in localization, we’ve heard a whole lot from fans and even translators, but we haven’t seen much discussion from Japanese developers. Which is why, when speaking to Tetsuya Takahashi this week in Los Angeles, I asked him for his thoughts on the matter. His answers…

Traveling the alien landscape of Xenoblade Chronicles X (Chronicles X) is sublime. You really feel like you’ve crashed onto a whole new world, where even gravity is different and you leap through the awe-inspiring environments of Mira.

Cassandra Lee Morris voiced Lin Xenoblade Chronicles X, one of the game’s main characters—and a source of controversy. In the US and Europe, the character couldn’t wear certain bikini costumes. On YouTube, she released a video about the process of making the game and weighed in on the “censorship” discussion.

The epic Wii U role-playing game Xenoblade Chronicles X that has so far failed to thrill one of our guys in Japan, where it is already out, will make it to North America just before Christmas. It’ll be out on December 4.

Xenoblade Chronicles X is a massive game—and one I am still not even close to finishing. However, with over 70 hours of gameplay under my belt, I think I am finally ready to tell you what this game is all about.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the sprawling open world of Xenoblade Chronicles X, doing quests and just exploring. And given how much time I’ve spent running, that got me to wondering just how large the main continent was.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the sprawling open world of Xenoblade Chronicles X, doing quests and just exploring. And given how much time I’ve spent running, that got me to wondering just how large the main continent was.

Xenoblade Chronicles was one of the best RPGs the Wii had to offer; and while we didn’t exactly love last month’s 3DS port of the game, we’re still excited to play the Wii U sequel. So join us as the Up All Night Stream plays Xenoblade Chronicles X.

Here’s a short Xenoblade Chronicles Xclip that demonstrates how online group quests will work. People can form “Squads” and participate in special “Squad Quests” (the footage starts at the 0:45 mark in the video) to kill tougher monsters for better loot. Just like in MMOs.

Want to watch a ton of new footage from the upcoming Wii U game Xenoblade Chronicles X? Check out this archive of Nintendo’s livestream this afternoon, which includes an eight-minute overview video and then an hour of Treehouse staff playing the game live. (The footage starts at 34:00.)